10.11.2012

Ever notice how just ONE kiddo can make all the difference in the world on how smoothly {or not} your class runs?? Well, today TWO of my big ticket kids were gone, and the rest of my class took full advantage of the quiet, productive work time while I filled out grade cards and did last minute progress monitoring!

Please tell me I'm not the only one who has the same kind of crazy calm day when certain gifts take a day off...

10.01.2012

First off, thank you for the great suggestions for Math Journal prompts for my sweet kiddos! I have sent some ideas to my principal, and we are awaiting approval for the funds to purchase some!! :-)

A few weeks ago, Lakeshore Learning (oh, how I love that store!) sent me their Phonics Language Lacers to try out with my kiddos!

"Phonics Language Lacers ($19.95) As students lace up our fun, shoe-shaped activity boards, they get hands-on phonics practice! The set includes 15 lacer boards and 15 plastic-tipped laces. Kids just lace up each shoe, building language skills as they match up words to the correct beginning, middle or ending sounds—with corresponding illustrations that ensure successful matching! 5" x 8" lacers come with an answer card for easy self-checking, plus an activity guide."

﻿These cute "shoes" are quite the hit with my small groups in class! I love that they cover a wide range of phonics skills, from basic short vowels to vowel combos and digraphs, etc! {Not to mention... these make a GREAT opportunity to practice the oh-so-important shoe tying skill that so many kids lack!}

Not only is this kit available, but Lakeshore offers a whole line of these lacer items!! Do you need your kids to practice synonyms & antonyms? How about compound words or word families? Well then you're in luck! I'm seriously debating snatching up the rest of these kits - they make tremendously easy ways for kids to show their knowledge and allow me to check their independent work quickly so I know what skills need reinforcement.

If you're interested in any of these, or anything else that Lakeshore offers, take advantage of the great deal they're offering my readers!

I am a wife, a new mommy, a teacher, a daughter, a friend. I just finished my 8th year of teaching first grade, and I enjoy it more every year! Life gets busy sometimes, but I love every minute of the crazy!